Since ancient ages plants have served human beings as a natural source of treatments and therapies, amongst them medicinal herbs have gained attention because of its wide use and less side effects. More than 15000 plants have been studied during the last 5 years period. Inspite of many synthetic compounds, the most efficient drugs available are directly or indirectly related with the plant kingdom. Many of the plant extracts have proven to possess pharmacological actions. This review highlights some of the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of Nyctanthes arbortristisLinn which is a common wild hardy large shrub or small tree. It is a native of India, distributed wild in sub-Himalayan regions and southwards to Godavari. Its different parts are known to possess different pharmacological activities in Indian systems of medicine. The plant has been extensively used in Ayurvedic system of medicine for various ailments and is shown to possess significant anti-inflammatory, wound healing and antimicrobial properties.
